Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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Hi all!
I have started to build a steel dome. I want to share some images of this project!
STEELFRAME1
STEELFRAME2
Shutters will be very similar as an Ash Dome have. I am going to use Zinc anodized steel to cover this steelframe.
This dome is going to be controlled with velleman USB experiment interface board Velleman K8055 and the driver for it is LesveDome
This is interesting project for me becouse i have done already four fiberglass domes. 
Oh and the tool what i did make to curve those steelbars CURVETOOL  Amazingly it work great as you can see!
Mikko
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MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
Edited by Mr.päivinen (07/09/09 10:41 AM)
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Keith Howlett
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/06/07
Posts: 977
Loc: Northumberland, UK
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Hi Mikko,
That's a real beauty, I wish I had your ability! I'll look forward to seeing more as the build progresses.
Cheers,
Keith
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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Thank`s Keith, I will add more photos and info when i get shutters ready.
Mikko
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MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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Scott K
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/13/07
Posts: 1411
Loc: Dallas, TX & Eufaula, OK
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Wow, just wow. That is so impressive!
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6565
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Yes, what Scott said, nice work Mikko 
--------------------
Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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BigBadBrain
super member
Reged: 03/05/08
Posts: 122
Loc: Kent, Washington
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Any more pictures of how you built the curving tool? The whole project looks great!
--------------------
Celestron CPC 800
Orion ST-80 w Orion Starshoot autoguider (in work)
Orion XT-10i Newt ("She turned me into a newt!")
Meade ETX-60 Refractor
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Bob Myler
sage
Reged: 05/18/06
Posts: 224
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Very professional - and smooth, too. I count 11 gores on each side of the shutter. Mikko, ever consider quitting your day job?
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 742
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I will be watching this discussion with interest.
How will you connect the gore joints so there are no leaks?
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 742
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Why steel rather than aluminum for the skin?
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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Thank`s a lot of encouraging comments for all 
I made that curvetool at the old counterweights.
It is important that the number one wheel profile is not flat becouse the steel of the innercurve needs more space than the outer curve or the pipe will not bend evenly.
Round shape of the wheel one helps also keep the pipe on the line and it wont twist so easily.
I adjust the pressure for the pipe moving the wheel one against wheel numbers 2 and 3 with the threaded rod (4)
The pressure what is needed to get anything to happend is very much and i think 1000 kg is near. The structure of the tool must be very heavy or it will break up.
I did bend the pipes back and forth about 15 times until i did have enough curve for 260 cm (9 feet) dome.
It may be easier to understand how the gore joints is going to be made when i am at that point of the project, but i can say that the joints are going to be as the professional roof steel are made.
It has been interesting to find out how the joints should be done and it is fun to realize that it is possible to do that also by my self.
I use steel at this point becouse i dont have tools to build this at aluminium, but maybe some day i am rich enough to get those 
It would be awesome if i could do something like this as an day job, but unfortunately the markets are so small here in Finland.
Mikko
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MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 742
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Very nice observatory.
http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/Laitteet.htm
Do you have more pictures?
I also am trying to translate your Finnish description to English but cannot cut and paste the text into a translator...why the problem?
Thanks
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Starman27
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/29/06
Posts: 579
Loc: Illinois, Iowa
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Really nice work. I like your curving tool.
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Enjoy the dark,
Herman
Meade
14 LX200 GPS SMT
12 LX200 GPS
7 LX200 Maksutov
ETX 125
TAK FS128 NSV
Sky 90II
Lunt LS60ThaDS BF1200
Canon 5D Mark II
Illinois
Iowa
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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Hi again and i am glad to hear that you like my observatory  If you haven see the video of my observatory you can find it HERE in youtube
I dont know why it wont translate that text at my web page.
Thank`s Starman27 for the comment.
Today i did rails for upper shutter what slides back of the dome and tomorrow i can start to build shutter`s.
So far everything has gone well and i have done aprox 50-60 hours work with this dome.
Wheel system will be similar as my glassfiber domes have and you can see how i did that in the youtube HERE!!
Mikko
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MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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blatterjr
sage
Reged: 08/13/07
Posts: 266
Loc: Saint Petersburg Florida
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Beautiful... I love metalwork.
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Robert
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Meade 12-LX200-ACF
BINO: Nikon AEX 10x50 6.5°
DSLR: Nikon D70+CCPro2
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Saint Petersburg Florida
27°47'22.92"N , 82°43'09.48"W
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wbrogdo1
super member
Reged: 05/21/08
Posts: 121
Loc: Lakeland, FL
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Very nice!!
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http://www.brogdon.ws/astronomy
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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Thank`S again
Now my friend whos dome this will be have made electronics ready. Here is few images of it.
Below the box with switches for manual operating and that rs-232 connector is plugin for the handcontroller.
Today i have finished upper shutter and machanism for it. It slides smoothly with six ballbearings.
Next i will do the lower shutter and wheel system for dome rotation.
Mikko
--------------------
MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6565
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Nice work on the door!
--------------------
Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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Thank`s Chris!
Mikko
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MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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I added a short videoclip in the youtube what shows the shutter mechanism of this dome. Video can be seen HERE!
Thank`s for watching
Mikko
--------------------
MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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Pablo
member
Reged: 07/15/06
Posts: 63
Loc: Cali,Colombia SouthAmerica.
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 cool.
--------------------
Pablo A. Vasquez.
CGE-1100,ED80,WO 66 SD
Canon 350XT, DSI-pro, Nextimagen.
GSO 200 F/4.
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Bob Myler
sage
Reged: 05/18/06
Posts: 224
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Mikko, the fit and finish (especially the solid "klunk" when closing - as both halves of the shutter evenly meet) is truly impressive...can't wait to see you skin this thing!
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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I was also suprised that sound and how well i did get shutters fit together when closing. I really try to do my best becouse you never cant know is this the last dome i will ever build (hope not)
It`s nice to see that people are interested this project
and comment`s are always welcome!
Thank`s
Mikko
--------------------
MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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kiwisailor
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 1221
Loc: Lyttelton, New Zealand
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Quote:
I added a short videoclip in the youtube what shows the shutter mechanism of this dome
Mikko, this latest effort of yours is so cool, it's sub zero (Hyvin tehty)
Can't wait to see how you fit the gores.
Steve
--------------------
Don't wait until tomorrow, start procrastinating today!
Sky-Watcher 8" F5 Newt
Mmmm Moonlite CR2
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polaraligned
sage
Reged: 12/26/08
Posts: 230
Loc: P. R. of New Jersey
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Very, Very nice!! 
Do you have a detail of the bottom track?
What size and gauge steel did you use?
Do you think it will be lighter than a fiberglass dome?
I look forward to seeing the completed dome.
Scott
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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Thicknes of the steelbar wall`s is 1,5 millimeters and size is 20 millimeters x 20 millimeters. Flat steel i used is 3mm and 4mm x 25mm to 40mm wide depends place where i put it 
The weight of the glassfiber dome is about 100kg and this is going to be about 150kg aprox.
The bottom track will be similar as my glassfiber domes have HERE
I have also drawings at it but i cant remember where i did put them 
I have made the wheelsystems ready for several domes at last year becouse it was so easy to made lots of them at the same time. The dimensions for the track drawed on that plywood what is now under this dome.
Mikko
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MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 742
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Could you post some closeups of the wheel system and how it mounts to the dome and door?
Thanks
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Kaizu
sage
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 347
Loc: Finland
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Cosmological 4m dome weights ca. 400kg and I had difficulties to handle it alone, even it was splitted to two parts. The sheet metal thicness is 0.7 and they weights more than 200 kg, little bit more than the frame. The doors are Palomar-type and they are heavier than yours.
Which thickness of sheet metal are you going to use? Is it painted or only galvanized?
The implementation seems professional.
Kaizu
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Some thoughts are so wise that they don't make me laugh
http://www.kaiforssen.fi
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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If we measured right our test piece of sheet metal it seems to be 0.5 or 0.6mm and it is galvanized or Zink anodized or something like that (not sure, but it should work well) . Painted roof metal is much more harder than galvanized sheet metal and that shiny steel look is cool i think
I can get you closeup image of shutter wheel system. It`s not complicated at all, but it has to be build very accurate to get work well.
Mikko
--------------------
MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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polaraligned
sage
Reged: 12/26/08
Posts: 230
Loc: P. R. of New Jersey
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Thanks for the steel sizes.
Fantastic job.
Scott
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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Sorry! It did take a while to get those images at the shutter ballbearing system, but here it is 
I did not wanted to weld all parts becouse it would be nice if shutter can be easily removed if you want for some reason.
As you can see everything looks rusty and ugly now, but after i get all parts fit together we will disassemble it and sandblast the parts and put right sizes bolts etc. there.
The dome structure is ready (image abowe)
I have to get all mechanics to fit with the dome and above image is at the upper shutter motor system.
I dont like cables in this purpose and i think the bicycle chain is more long-lasting than it.
If i open the shutter the chain moves up at the upper side and comes down at inside the bar( hope you understand what i try to mean?)
Not much to go until we have a readdy dome again ( my fifth ) )
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MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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Kaizu
sage
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 347
Loc: Finland
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How about your bike, without chain? Is it a scooter now?
Kaizu
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Some thoughts are so wise that they don't make me laugh
http://www.kaiforssen.fi
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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Quote:
How about your bike, without chain? Is it a scooter now?
Kaizu
I am more than evil i am going to use my kids bike chains Let them become fat nerds
Mikko
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MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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BigBadBrain
super member
Reged: 03/05/08
Posts: 122
Loc: Kent, Washington
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Mr.Päivinen,
Any updates to report? This has been a favorite dome project for me and I'm sure for others as well.
--------------------
Celestron CPC 800
Orion ST-80 w Orion Starshoot autoguider (in work)
Orion XT-10i Newt ("She turned me into a newt!")
Meade ETX-60 Refractor
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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Hi BigBadBrain!
Thank`s for asking.
I dont have that dome here anymore and we will finish it there where that observatory is. Dome needs to get that metal sheet and some paint, but all mechanics and electronics works well.
I will add more images and story soon
When waiting and i did not have much to do i made my swimming pool solar water heater little bigger
Now it melts plastic in just few seconds in the focuspoint
Mikko
--------------------
MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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kiwisailor
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 1221
Loc: Lyttelton, New Zealand
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Hi Mikko
What material did you use for the reflector on your solar water heater?
Like BBB, I'm look forward to the completion of your metal dome project.
Steve
--------------------
Don't wait until tomorrow, start procrastinating today!
Sky-Watcher 8" F5 Newt
Mmmm Moonlite CR2
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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I did use 1mm thick stainles steel.
Mikko
--------------------
MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 742
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Quote:
Mikko, the fit and finish (especially the solid "klunk" when closing - as both halves of the shutter evenly meet) is truly impressive...can't wait to see you skin this thing!
Same here...I am looking forward to seeing the skinning process.
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 742
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Any updates on the skinning of this dome?
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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Hi!
I have been very busy with three dome projects and it has been while when i have logged in here.
Here is few images of this first steeldome sheeting work what is done by Janne Granholm who also owns this dome.
I think he has done exelent job and it is going to be beatyfull dome when finished.
I am already building second steeldome and i am going to do sheeting work littlebit different then this one. I cant say wich way is better, but my method is a bit easier to do.
I am going to use that same material with the second one also and i think that shiny sheeting makes domes look cool 
Mikko
--------------------
MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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Oh and i have also done the motorized profilesteel and pipe bender machine. Aint that ugly
It was so easy to build that second dome frame with this machine.
Total cost of the parts what i have found were under 50 dollars if i count the paints also That old motor was a gift.
Mikko
--------------------
MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 742
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Thanks for posting some pictures...and yes it looks REALLY GOOD!
Could you post some pictures of the joint being used?
Maybe a cross section?
I still don't understand how the joint works.
How are you making the gores of the dome?
By hand or machine?
How thick is the metal being used?
I see some clips on the backside of the seam...how are they being used to secure the metal sheet gore?
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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Hi all!
Again i have been so busy and i have not been able to update my project for a while. Now i have done over a month work with sheeting and have to say this is difficult and hard work.
I will tell more details after this project is really finished and then i hope that then i can say how this can be done littlebit easier.
Mikko
--------------------
MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 742
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Quote:
Hi all!
Again i have been so busy and i have not been able to update my project for a while. Now i have done over a month work with sheeting and have to say this is difficult and hard work.
I will tell more details after this project is really finished and then i hope that then i can say how this can be done littlebit easier.
Mikko
Thanks Mikko for posting.
I look forward to the future posts and pictures.
It looks good.
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